Our recurring round-up of the most recent specialty-coffee business information.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Featured picture by Joshua Earle
Fairtrade Worldwide Raises Minimal Costs for Espresso Once more
On July 30, Fairtrade Worldwide introduced that minimal costs for Robusta and Arabica espresso are rising for the second time in lower than 4 years. As of December 1, 2026, the brand new Fairtrade Minimal Worth for washed Arabica beans might be $2.00 USD per pound, a rise of 20 cents, or 11 %. The brand new worth for pure Robusta might be $1.30 per pound, a rise of 10 cents, or 8 %. Pure Arabica and washed Robusta Fairtrade Minimal Costs may also improve by 20 cents and 10 cents, respectively. Click on right here to study extra.
Starbucks Staff Elevate Well being Issues Over New “Blended Vitality Refreshers”
Members of labor union Starbucks Staff United are voicing issues over the chain’s new “Blended Vitality Refreshers,” saying a silica-based mixing powder used to make the drinks has been inflicting sore throats, coughing, and complications for workers. The corporate has not but made a proper assertion relating to the issues. Click on right here for the complete story.
Espresso + Tea Consumption Linked to Decrease Threat of Dementia
A decades-long research of over 130,000 folks discovered that common consumption of caffeinated espresso and tea was linked to decrease threat of dementia and cognitive decline. The identical results weren’t noticed for many who consumed decaffeinated espresso or tea, suggesting that the advantages had been the results of reasonable caffeine consumption.
Mentioned You Zhang, MBBS, the lead writer of the research: “Dementia is a rising public well being concern, and occasional and tea are issues many individuals drink daily. We needed to see whether or not these widespread habits is perhaps linked to higher mind well being over the long run.”
San Francisco’s First Indian Espresso Store Opens With Beans from Household Farm in Chikmagalur
SF Gate reviews that Le Mil’s Espresso has simply opened in San Francisco—the town’s first Indian specialty-coffee store. Opened by Milana Ram and her husband, Himanshu Bhaisare, the café serves espresso from the house owners’ household’s farm within the southwest area of Chikmagalur. Click on right here to learn the complete story.
Bay Space Espresso Store Returns Refunded Tariffs to Clients By means of Discounted Drinks
SF Chronicle shares that Oakland, Calif. espresso importer Royal Espresso and its café The Crown are passing not too long ago refunded U.S. espresso import tariffs again to clients by briefly discounting drinks. The corporate has additionally issued credit to roasting shoppers after the federal government started refunding tariffs that had beforehand elevated espresso prices.
“In 2025 we paid tariffs on the espresso we served. The courts later discovered these tariffs had been by no means licensed, and Customs has began returning the cash,” wrote The Crown on their Instagram web page. “Our share, on the espresso that crossed this counter, got here to about $2,500. We’re handing it again the one means a café can, by taking it off the worth of a drink till the complete quantity is returned.”
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